I was handed some information not long after the EU Referendum. That information was RUPERT MURDOCH'S SUPER SECRET LONDON HOME ADDRESS!

Apparently, he's spent a lot of time and money keeping this address out of sight (probably because it's in central London, next to a public space so not easy to defend with armed guards and such). It seemed only right to do something fun with it. So...

I have taken this address and written it in to ALL of the songs on this new album.

NOTE: I'm not asking for anyone to be violent towards this address or endanger the people that work/live there. We're better than that. The role is to give his bumhole a little twitch of fear - something he's been doing to our loved ones for 40+ years.

I've decided to act as much like Mr. Murdoch's media-empire during the writing of this album. I haven't done much fact checking, although I trust my source. I've dressed him up as a predatory paedophile, I've brought his private life in to it, I've painted him as a terrorist recruitment officer. All the tools he's used to make a sensational, fictional world full of pious hero/cowards roaming around a world full of blood-thirsty enemies with personal agendas against them.

I'm committing Invasion of Privacy and, if he's taking himself too seriously, Defamation of Character. Either way, I'm doing this to provoke a reaction he cannot avoid. If he does nothing, packs up and moves, we'll see it. If he does something - sues me (I have no money), prosecutes me (I have nothing to lose) or kills me (I'm not sure he will, but nonetheless, this is the most common course people think he will take). Of course, there's another non-binary solution and that's he invites me to play at his house, we become good friends and I can influence him to be a little bit. less. sh*t.

Why me? Why not just hand this stuff to Anonymous or Wikileaks.

I have to sell albums and play to audiences to stay alive. This is business.

I'm also in the lovely position of being a nobody. I have no power, I have no money, I have no influence. I'm not perfect by any means, I'm not hiding anything. I have debts I can't afford - but I'm trying, I'm not very good with authority and we all have a past that may not stand up to scrutiny of most tabloid journalists' moral compass. There's no doubt Mr. Murdoch's acolytes will attack me personally for doing this. I'm a citizen of the UK. I just sing songs and tell jokes.

Who cares if Rupert Murdoch lives there?

For those that don't know Rupert Murdoch is the guy that's brought you The Sun and The Times, he's the major controlling mind behind Sky News and Fox News in the US. He's Australian-born but now a U.S. citizen. He's the father of James and Lachlan Murdoch (among others) who are set to take over his empire (in fairness, James is the threat to the U.K., Lachlan is more involved with films and keeping his head down). Rupert is an ultra-conservative libertarian (less government, less rules, more business) and 85-years old. He denies climate change science. He's probably the furthest thing away from today's young people (who, through no action at all, will inherit whatever the hell we leave them) - but this also make Rupert Murdoch one of the largest threats to global survival in to the 21st Century. Worth approximately £12bn - he's one of the men responsible for paving the way for people like Trump to actually be a serious option for some of Mr. Murdoch's victims/viewers/readers.

He's very clever, with a few simple words he and his organisations can make you feel fear, rage and anger - he doesn't have to be in the room - he just has to dress things up so that we have a human, primal response to whatever he's said.

Like any good terrorist recruitment officer, he grooms the vulnerable and persistently pushes their brains until they begin to feel some sort of Stockholm Syndrome for their tormentors. These people are victims. Please don't hate them. He's after the one thing he cannot own...their vote.

He's made monsters out of Muslims, Europeans, the Poor and people who don't agree with his politics. He's responsible for supplying such 'solutions' to those problems as Michael Gove (journalist), Boris Johnson (journalist), Nigel Farage (investment banker) and Donald Trump (...). A week before the Conservative Party Conference, Murdoch met with my Prime Minister, Theresa May.

It is with these realisations that it became clear to me that we live in a HACKOCRACY.

A democracy is governed by the people (it's a Greek word and concept, so remember that when teaching 'British Values' in schools). A theocracy is a state governed by the religious orders. A Hackocracy is a state governed by tabloid outrage.

Instead of State Controlled Media - the UK and the US have become Media Controlled States. Our futures depend on how we deal with this situation.

You're just a Remoaner!

All this is because I am accepting of the EU Referendum result - it's not my preferred result but it is what it is. If we're going to 'take back control' I've decided to fight for a country doesn't become an isolated, intolerant and ugly little island of brain-washed victims of constant torment, as the rest of the world races away leaving us well and truly in the dark ages - socially, economically and culturally.

The task ahead of us is massive and the obstacles in the way are sturdy and ancient - however, it can be done. Sign up for more.

I'm about to head out on THE ROAD to support ALL THE RAGE (pre-order now). As ever, this is the longest tour I've been on. 7 weeks long. 40 dates (there are a few still to be confirmed) and several new towns, cities and communities. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.

The easiest part is the evenings - the soundcheck, the venue, the people, the gig, the sweat, the tiredness - well earned, hopefully.

The hardest part is the DAYTIME.

There's the travel - that's fine, when you have 20 hours to drive 20 miles, that's hard to eek out but mainly, life is pretty good to be traveling and playing music. Easy.

There's the boredom of driving - alone in a Smart car, cramped up with gear, merch and clothes - there's no room for a traveling companion - so chit chat is hard. I try and pick up music from the bands I play with to listen to - but that can only last so long, so I also make up lots of mix CDs of various things (stand up comedy, audiobooks, classic albums that remind me why I do this).

There's the health concern - everywhere, on the outskitrts, looks like everywhere else. There's a retail park full of the same things as all the other retail parks. There's the standard array of fast food places - all of which, I know, contain a short term hit of endorphins, but very little keep the human body healthy whilst sitting for hours.

On this front, I've developed the habit of getting a SCURVY BAG in the car. Fresh fruit, apples and oranges, bananas. I recommend it.

I like to set myself challenges on each tour - little personal regimes of discipline that keep me hunting for something in each place.

Last tour (I think) I tried to find all of the James Bond Audiobooks. That was quite tricky until I got to Huddersfield and there was an El Dorado of all of them somewhere down the Kingsgate.

As I've just got a new Co-Op Members card, I figured this tour would be to only eat out of Co-ops up and down the country (on the caveat that if I find smaller, independent places I'll shop there first for my SCURVY BAG and provisions) - but I'm starting to feel like the Co-op are making amends for previous bad news and actually heading back to where they used to be. I'll support this - it would be silly not to.

I'll make a declaration right now, that is not an advertisment for Co-op - they don't know anything about this, purely my challenge to myself to not buy and eat 7-weeks worth of easy option food when I know there's a place in most towns that, on the whole, isn't a great big SugarDome. Taking care of myself is what this is about.

As for fitness, I've been playing squash with Alex and Kai - I'm feeling good - I think the songs are ready (I tried some out at DIY Southampton the other day. Got some laughs. Laughs are good)

Other than that, it's going to be a case of playing some good shows, selling some merch and writing 9/40 for May next year.

​This weekend, I went to Dan Parkinson's studio (Wooden Heart in Andover) and once again we ploughed through a series of silly things until we came out on Sunday night with an album. That album is 8/40: ALL THE RAGE.

At a time when the news feels like a constant tumbling mess of egomania, far-right-lite government (and support) and less and less about positive community-building - this album was seeded very much in my initial reaction to the EU Referendum, The Chilcot Report and the U.S. Presidential Election. But luckily, it's still a funny album - it sounds great (thanks to Dan). I'm very proud of where it's aiming.

The Tracks are:

1. Mumble Day

2. All The Rage

3. Dear, Mr. Murdoch (BeLEAVE)

4. Uncle Twinklefingers

5. Bride of Twinklefingers

6. Spawn of Twinklefingers

7. Nothing Wrong (the tabloid journalist's prayer)

8. Have Your Say

9. After The Show

Digital pre-order is £3 https://grantsharkey.bandcamp.com/

CD pre-order is £5 plus postage. https://grantsharkey.bandcamp.com/

I can't go in to the details until it comes out on Nov 5th - but I must stress that owning a copy of this album (on your HD and in your hand)

PLAYING LIVE

Firstly, thanks to everyone who's come out to a gig lately - you've certainly helped shape ALL THE RAGE in to something other than if it was just me. Talking to you about these things brings news viewpoints and different tacks that all go in to forming something I could never have done on my own. THANK YOU.

One particular highlight was playing a gig with a hero of mine, Mike Watt on Oct 6th at the Joiners. If you don't know him, google him - but if ever there's a reason to climb in to a Smart Car loaded with stuff and drive around for weeks on end...it was seeded in him. We were chatting after the show and I told him the details of what this album wants to do...and he's recorded a little message for it. That's right, Mike Watt is on my album.

There's tons coming up - I need to get the Smart Car MOT'd - and then:

13/10 - Dolphin, Southampton

14/10 - The Granary, Arlesford

15/10 - DIY Southampton (1.30 spot)

16/10 - Notes Café, Southampton [TOUPÉ Show]

22/10 - The Nest, Bath

27/10 - Music Box, Salisbury

28/10 - Blue Bar, Eastbourne

29/10 - Rockhouse, Andover

30/10 - SO: To Speak Festival (reading a little from Ope...opefully)

02/11 - Asylum, Chelmsford

03/11 - The Greys, Brighton

04/11 - Art House, Southampton - ALL THE RAGE LAUNCH

05/11 - TEDx Talk

06/11 - Bar 42, Worthing

07/11 - Chaplin's, Bournemouth

09/11 - Sanctuary, Basingstoke

10/11 - Baila, Swindon

11/11 - Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading

12/11 - Moon Club, Cardiff

13/11 - House Show, Merthyr Tydfyll

15/11 - The Globe, Hay-On-Wye

16/11 - House Show, Oxford

17/11 - Luna Lounge, London

18/11 - Coffeevolution, Huddersfield

19/11 - T.A.P.E. Film Festival, Colwyn Bay

20/11 - No. 39, Darwen

21/11 - Liverpool Acoustic, Liverpool

22/11 - The Ferret, Preston (w/Avital Raz)

23/11 - Tower of Song, Birmingham

25/11 - WinterTide Festival, Hartlepool

26/11 - Talking Heads, Southampton (sup DODGY)

29/11 - The Nest, Bath

30/11 - The Hawthorn's Hotel, Glastonbury

01/12 - SW gig (can you help?)

02/12 - Crofter's Rights, Bristol (sup NICK HARPER)

03/12 - Rockstone, Southampton

04/12 - Willow Tree, Winchester

07/12 - Golden Lion, St. Peter Port

08/12 - Wight Rock Bar, Ryde

09/12 - Good Intent, Petersfield

10/12 - Winchester Gate, Salisbury

12/12 - Over Draft, Southampton

Most of these gigs are FREE ENTRY - but don't let that put you off!

Hopefully, a very special dignitary will turn up to one or more of these gigs...all will be revealed!

Then, I'm VERY EXCITED to have been the headbooker and coffee-maker at Grant Sharkey's Tour Booking Corps and sorted out this 36+ date tour. I'm going to try and get it to 40 dates before setting off - fingers crossed (or get in touch).

Old places, new faces, new places, old faces - it's a joy to go around in the Smart Car, smelling incredible, to play these songs that plop out of my head. This time I'm trying to reach further down in to the SW. We've added North Wales and Hartlepool to the list - not to mention - a few very, very cool house shows in there as well.

Of note, I turn 39 on November 23rd (Birmingham, Tower of Song) and I'm playing support to DODGY at the Talking Heads on the 26th Nov. I'm not saying you should definitely come out to that show because it's my birthday.

Here's the tour:

After that - there's a weekend off before Christmas bellies and Dr. Who.

TOUPÉ

THANKS to everyone that came out and supported the Toupé tour back at the end of August. We had a pure blast of fun (I did lose my voice for the last gig - Icelandic Nose Singing was all I could manage - sorry) - there will be more...and probably more after that. Details to come.

Written in month (which happened to contain the UK's EU Referendum of the release of The Chillcot Inquiry) Evans' Scent is a mixture of Toupé's idiosyncratic flare for big funky riffs and hard hitting satire.

Dan Parkinson on guitar, Jason Havelock on Drums and Grant Sharkey on Bass and Vocals - take you on a chunky journey addressing the absence of bandmate/Toupé Founder Karl Evans before quickly shifting up a gear to get down to business.

100 limited copies on cd are available at the live gigs this week (probably the only shows of 2016):

I hope you're well, happy and safe. If not, let me know if I can do anything.

It's been a while since I've written - mainly because I've been touring/writing/tour booking so much lately that sitting down at the computer has been a little difficult. (I've also got a little veg garden that needs incredible amounts of sitting in and enjoying). So, how's life been since the referendum?!

It doesn't matter which way you voted, part of democracy is respecting the vote and fully supporting whichever overlords claim victory over our one shot at life on the planet...in the solar system...in the galaxy...yadda yadda. What's important is to recognise the present and see a path from where we are to where we want to be.

So what is our present? A new Prime Minister who will unflinchingly kill 100,000 innocent men, women and children; who will trample the rights of others in a bid to protect her serfs in from those who will unflinchingly kill 100,000 innocent men, women and children.

On the other side of the chamber, there is disarray as the Labour party does it's best to play as group of clowns with a ladder falling over, bumping their heads to reach a man who doesn't want to kill 100,000 innocent men, women and children - for not being the sort of person we need in politics.

On the other side of the Atlantic, there is a feint roar of anger, frustration and fear as the emotions of division are whipped up into a tornado that could kill 100,000 innocent men, women and children (all wearing giant foam pointing fingers).

The construction of walls.

The marking of people who've been deemed 'different' and 'dangerous'.

This is not headed in a good direction.

The fear. The rage. The loss of perspective.

The sun shines, the water drips through the atmosphere, the plants grow...for now. Besides asteroids, the human brain is the biggest threat to the entire human race - in the last 300 years we've taken our tiny, insignificant carbon footprint and increased it exponentially as industry grew, as science learned more, as medicine developed, as our life-spans increased, as our population increased.

Humans have put all the strain on this planet.

...and now we're angry. Very, very angry.

But, why are we so angry?

In the last 100 years (two world wars, several proxy wars, a cold war, the collapse of communism, the ashes of imperialism, neo-liberalism, the middle east, biosphere destruction at around 50%), we've been so pre-occupied with garnering the support of the populations of our countries that the media have been allowed to influence national conversations to fit their owner's ideologies. Peace never sells papers. Survival does.

It's just ink. It's just pixels. They're just words.

But somehow they can change the way we behave towards people we know and people we haven't even met. Our opinions are farmed so that we feel we have some sort of voice in the whole debate...but nonetheless, we're debating an agenda we haven't chosen. If we met in a world without the news media, I'd probably want to tell you about the vegetable garden. Because that's a real thing in my life. Not a phantasm, not a spectre of evil lurking in my mind somewhere.

You may talk about your family or your hobby. Camping. Model boats. Sea-kayaking.

Instead we're talking about nationalism. About some religions and not others. We're talking about money.

We have villains.

We have heroes.

​We have fear.

We have division.

We need to work our way around this.

What am I doing?

I've only got music, songs, stories and jokes in my arsenal.

There's no money behind me. There's no coverage in the media of what I do.

All I can do is go from community to community to help break down this conditioning. Support the kinder voices, the quieter voices of reason and logic.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, I'm crowd funding a little book - a story about a village that is so scared it builds a thick, suffocating wall around itself.

HOT LUMPS IS DONE AND READY! Listening back to Hot Lumps, I’m getting a serious amount of pride welling in myself. I’m proud of the songs, I’m proud of their logic. I’m proud of the wonderful musicians who’ve helped out. I’m proud of Dan Parkinson in recording another album in a weekend (as he wrote to me yesterday: WE’VE DONE 7 ALBUMS TOGETHER!). I’m proud of the fact I’ve have another tour that larger and further reaching than the last (with November’s tour already taking shape.) I’m proud of the fact that we’ve made THREE (3) videos so far for the songs from Hot Lumps. Essentially, I’m proud.

I’m very excited to be climbing in to my little car and travelling thousands of miles to support this album (honestly I am). The days are long and mainly boring – if you don’t believe me go stand in your nearest motorway services for 2 weeks – but the gigs are so worth it. I really hope to see you at some of these: